Archive | December 6, 2017

Neil and Cynthia have a lovely evening, but he has to get home. As he’s walking home, something jumps him. He gets away and runs home. Finding Chase there, he sits down with his nephew to talk. He reveals that he’s loved Cynthia since he was a teenager.

“We’re so completely different,” Chase said about himself and Marissa.

“Sometimes, opposites attract. And not so different. I see things in you both, where you compliment one another. You need to work out your intimacy issues—and I don’t mean that you need to have sex. But talk about things. Make sure she knows you care. You do, you know. You love that girl, probably more than Brian loves Jordan.”

“More than you love Auntie?”

Neil shrugged. “Maybe. I have one advantage that you don’t. I’m not seventeen itching to get laid for the first time. Trust me, I remember that feeling, like your insides are on fire. You’d do a handy hydrant if you thought you could get away with it.”

Chase laughed louder than he’d intended. Clapping his hands over his mouth, he chuckled and sputtered. “Not built the right way, or I might consider it.”

“Gas tank,” Neil suggested. “Or grapefruit, I hear that works.”

“Only warmed in the microwave.”

“Always good to warm up the lotion first, but don’t nuke it. Good way to roast your willie.” He rubbed his hands together as if he had lotion on them. “Friction works best.”

“I can’t believe we’re having this conversation! I couldn’t talk to Dad like this.”

“No, but I bet you can with some of your friends.”

Chase shook his head. “Maybe when we’re older.”

“Meanwhile, I will be here for bizarre, off the wall, raunchy, inappropriate conversations whenever you like.”

“Thank you, Uncle Neil. It’s good having you home.”

“It’s good being home. And you can just call me Neil, Chase. I don’t mind.”

“Thank you—Neil.”

They said goodnight. Chase was ready for bed, so Neil took a quick shower and brushed his teeth. He could smell Cynthia’s cologne on his clothing and it made him want her again. He remembered, with a lurch, he’d promised to call when he got home. Picking up his phone, he saw a missed call. It was from Cynthia. She merely said to call as soon as he got the message. He called back immediately.